Denver Botanic Gardens' School of Botanical Art and Illustration is designed to teach the skills necessary to portray plants accurately both for scientific purposes and for beautiful plant illustrations. The school is open for everybody, both for committed illustrator and enthusiastic amateur. The program can lead to a Certificate that is offered only a few locations worldwide. The Certificate Program was initiated and established in 1990 by Angela Overy.

It takes a gifted artist to become a great teacher and those who dare to teach never cease to learn.

Friday, September 21, 2007

The word iridescence is defined as the change in hue of the color of an object as the observer changes viewing position. Iridencent colors are not produced by pigmentation (like green in leaves due to the chlorophyll pigment or orange color in carrots because of the carotene pigment). Iridescent color is produced by the interference of light due to multiple reflections within the physical structure of a material. In the nature you can see iridescent color in butterfly wings, peacock feathers, hummingbirds etc. If you like to read more about the subject please visit natural photonics at The University of Exeter. UK. There are also several articles to download if you like to learn more.

Cleome in process (pastel) by Jessa Huebing-ReitingerIridescent colors are not totally uncommon in the plant world and we know how difficult the iridescent color is to illustrate with pigment.Jessa Huebing-Reitinger is giving us a 3-day workshop (Wednesday to Friday, September 26-28; 10a.m. – 4 p.m.) . The course price is $181 for members and $218 for nonmember. NOTE: The only prerequisite is Pencil I. All class materials are provided for $5. Last day to register is on Monday, September 24th. Register on-line or call 720-865-3680.

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Nancy Styler will take you on a trip back in time, and across the ocean from South America to Europe, as she tells you of the discovery and reporting of the Victoria water lilies, and how the botanical illustrations of this unique new plant changed horticulture forever. She will also discuss the work of the Victoria Conservancy, its research and breeding programs, and what the future may hold for the Queen of the water lilies.

Nancy Styler, with her husband Trey, founded and co-direct the Victoria Conservancy, a non-profit branch of the International Waterlily and Water Gardening Society. In addition to research, seed-banking and distribution, the Conservancy is the source of the Victorian Water Lilies at Denver Botanic Gardens each year.(Image: Crystal Palace, Hyde Park, London 1851)

Friday, September 14, 2007

This summer’s BI-graduates (June 2007) received their Certificates at the Annual Student Art Show reception– we wish you good luck, however we also like to see you soon in the classroom again. The student art show reception was attended by >100 people. If you have not seen the show yet, please visit it, the art is incredible. All instructors are extremely pleased with your results.

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

In China, images of flowers and plants often convey hidden messages. In this program, Sally Yu Leung, an independent curator of Chinese decorative arts, collector, teacher of Chinese brush-painting at Pixar Animation Studios, and also a Commissioner at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco will reveal the symbolism and hidden meanings of the botanical motifs in Chinese flower paintings. These imageries are aesthetically pleasing as well as the bearers of auspicious messages. Come and discover how one can become a sleuth on Chinese botanical symbolism.

Denver Botanic Gardens, Waring House (NW corner of 9th Ave and York Street), 6:30 - 8 p.m.You are all welcome!

Sunday, September 2, 2007

Students from the Botanical Art and Illustration Program display their art in Gates Garden Court between September 1st and October 31st. More than 50 outstanding botanical plates decorate the walls and display cases. Random selection can bee seen by clicking here.

(K. Eberhardt)

Reception for the students of the program on Friday, September 14, 2007, 5-7 p.m. Please join us and Meet the students - Meet the artists - Celebrate the 2007 Graduates!